Akona® Congelz™ Waste Water Hardener

Akona® Congelz™ Waste Water Hardener (BOM #107069) is the perfect method to dispose of unwanted rinse water from any cement or concrete project. Congelz patented technology is great for mortars, stuccos, grouts, patching products, and other similar materials. Using Congelz solves the issues caused by cementitious waste disposal - no more clogged drains or dumping of product on job sites. Simply add the product to your rinse water, allow to harden, and toss the works in the trash! Environmentally safe! Passes EPA 9095.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Congelz?
Akona Congelz is a patented technology that solidifies unwanted, and often hazardous, waste rinse water from any cement or concrete project into a landfill-safe gel for proper disposal.

How does Congelz work?
Congelz is a special blend of polymers, minerals and pH stabilizers that transform liquids to gel form.

Why do I need to use Congelz?
According to the EPA (2012), “Concrete washout water (or waste water) is a slurry containing toxic metals. It’s also caustic and corrosive, having a pH near 12. In comparison, Drano liquid drain cleaner has a pH of 13.5. Caustic waste water can harm fish gills and eyes and interfere with reproduction. The safe pH ranges for aquatic life habitats are 6.5-9 for freshwater and 6.5-8.5 for saltwater. If waste water is dumped on the ground, it can run off the construction site to adjoining roads and enter roadside storm drains, which discharge to surface waters such as rivers, lakes, or estuaries. Rainwater polluted with concrete washwater can percolate down through the soil and alter the soil chemistry, inhibit plant growth, and contaminate the groundwater. Its high pH can increase the toxicity of other substances in the surface waters and soils.” Because of this, cementitous waste water is now being regulated by federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

How do the new EPA regulations affect construction sites?
Since 2008, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) forbids discharging cementitious waste water into the nation’s waterways regardless of the size of the project. Jobsite scrutiny is ever increasing. The “old days” of grabbing a hose and washing off tools on the ground is not only frowned upon, but in many states illegal and fines are increasingly being issued on both small and large projects, alike. For example, since 2009 the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency requires waste water amounts over 0.5 cu. yds. to be managed in accordance with their waste water guidelines.

How can I safely and legally dispose of cementitous waste with Congelz?
It is recommended you line a bucket with a clean, stable plastic trash bag. Pour the waste water into the bag in the bucket, then sprinkle Congelz on the rinse water. Stir with stick to mix into the waste water. Within 2-3 minutes it will reach the gel-like solid consistency. Tie or fasten the bag with a twist-tie. The bag can now be placed into any standard site dumpster or refuse container. Waste material can be buried in an approved landfill in accordance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Click here to refer to the Congelz data sheet for more specific instructions for cleaning mixing equipment, tools and tubs.

How long does it take to work?
Congelz begins to work immediately after sprinkling on waste water and will solidify to a gel-like consistency within 2-3 minutes. To see Congelz in action, visit the product page on our website or click here.

How much do to use?
Add 1 lb. of Congelz for every 4 gallons of rinse water. The 3 lb. bag treats approximately 12 gallons of liquid waste and is packaged in a convenient re-sealable zip bag so you can easily use what you need and save the rest for later. You have used enough when the waste material transforms into a gel consistency with no pooling water remaining. Coverage will vary depending on the solids content and temperature of the water being treated.

My concrete got solid, why won’t the Congelz mixed liquid be as hard?
The gel-like state of the Congelz waste is considered a “solid” for waste disposal purposes.

Will Congelz work for disposing of waste water on high-rise buildings?
Yes, it is ideal for projectes like high-rises since you can solidify the waste water and dispose of it properly in waste receptacles or dumpsters.

Why should I be expected to use Congelz when my customer won’t want to pay extra for it?
Any fines issued by the USEPA, state, or local governments are levied on the contractor which makes the contractor accountable, not the homeowner. The costs of using Congelz can be built in to the bidding process as an “environmental” fee.

Is Congelz safe for the environment?
Yes, Congelz passes the EPA 9095B paint filter liquid test by blocking all free liquids through solidification. It outperforms EPA, ANSI, and OSHA guidelines for absorbent materials. Using Conglez protects soil and groundwater. Additionally, it prevents improper disposal of waste water down drains which could cause drains to clog with excess sand and cement. Conglez encapsulates heavy metals and passes TCLP toxicity characteristic leading procedure. According to 40 CFR, Part 261 of the Resource, Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), this product is not classified as a hazardous material.

Are there personal protection or exposure controls that should be used when working with Congelz?
Safety is an important component of any construction site. To prevent eye injuries, safety glasses with side shields or goggles should be worn. Rubber, cloth, or plastic gloves can be worn to protect hands if appropriate for job conditions. Use local ventilation if dusting is a problem. Use a NIOSH approved mask for dusts and mists, if desired.

Will it work with other liquids?
Yes, it will absorb liquids other than concrete waste water. Tests are being conducted for use with latex paint and other industrial waste.

Will Congelz work with solvents?
No, it is not a good solution for disposing of most solvents and we do not recommend it for this purpose.

Will it work with salty water?
Yes, but the salt may affect the performance so you may have to use more than the recommended amount in order to achieve the same results.

How do I clean up Congelz that was accidentally spilled?
Excess product can be cleaned with water before product has dried. Vacuum or scoop up spilled material and dispose of in appropriate waste container. If dust is generated, use appropriate respiratory protection.

Is Congelz safe to use around pets?
No, it is not recommended to use Congelz around pets or children. DO NOT INGEST! Avoid breathing any dust generated by use of this product. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. If contact with eyes occurs, flood eyes repeatedly with clean water for 15 minutes and see a physician immediately. Do not rub eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling or before eating with warm, soapy water. Do not take internally.

Where should I store unused Congelz?
Reseal the convenient zip-bag to prevent moisture and humidity from entering. Store dry at ambient temperature away from food and beverages.

Where can I learn more technical information about this product?
Additional information, including AET & MASDST testing report results, can be found at: www.congelz.com